BREAKFAST

Start the day with a strong cup of coffee from Devil’s Isle. This local roaster in the heart of the City of Hamilton serves up everything from your standard shot of espresso or glass of cold brew to the keto-diet-friendly Devil’s Proof Coffee (coffee, MCT oil, butter, and cacao) and nitro coffee drinks sweetened with peppermint syrup or chocolate. The daily breakfast menu also boasts a robust selection of egg dishes like benedicts, florentines and omelets.

In the colourful Bermudian neighborhood of Flatts Village, find Village Pantry. Like Devil’s Isle, this eatery emphasizes wholesome, diet-friendly fare and locally sourced ingredients. For example, diners can order the Paleo Breakfast, a hearty combination of sweet potato, vegetables, pancetta, and eggs. Hydrate for the day with a fresh smoothie or juice.

LUNCH

The fish sandwich is to Bermuda what a slice of pizza is to New York City. So, if you’ve escaped with your friends for a long weekend getaway, punctuate your day in the sunshine with this popular island delicacy.

The classic fish sandwich consists of seasoned, lightly breaded fish between two slices of raisin bread with coleslaw, tartar sauce, and hot sauce. Grab sandwiches to go and take the group to the beach. In the Town of St. George, stop by Mama Angie. In the City of Hamilton, try the fish sandwich at LITT–Lost In The Triangle, that is–or sample the famous Spicy Dicy at Art Mel’s. “I still dream about the incredible fish sandwiches to this day,” says Wendy. In Somerset Village, go to Woody’s and choose among fried snapper, wahoo, or grouper.

If the crew prefers a table and chairs over a beach blanket with a view of the ocean, head to Wahoo’s in the Town of St. George. Named for the subtropical fish indigenous to Bermuda, Wahoo’s has a sprawling patio overlooking the water, large tables to accommodate big parties, and its own fish sandwich recipe made with the restaurant’s namesake. Order wahoo nuggets, tacos, and plantains for the table, and wash it all down with a round (or two) of Rum Swizzles.

DINNER

Freshen up for a five-star meal at Marcus’ at The Hamilton Princess, one of the island’s culinary gems. Snag a high-top table between the open kitchen and bar to watch chefs and bartenders in action. Start with a Darker & Stormier, Marcus’ interpretation of Bermuda’s iconic cocktail. Order starters and small plates–like miniature lobster tacos or mouthwatering cornbread “madeleines”–to share. Then choose among Marcus Samuelsson's famous fried or jerk chicken, the catch of the day garnished with local herbs and veggies, and the impressive 33-ounce Tomahawk steak.

At Elbow Beach, indulge in Mediterranean cuisine with a captivating ocean view at Mickey’s. The dining room is an open-air deck on the beach, so your group will be mere feet from sand and surf. Order a gourmet salad, relish a juicy burger, and make sure the squad toasts with coastal-inspired cocktails.

For a more casual dinner, try Portofino. This recently renovated Italian joint in the City of Hamilton offers various fresh fish and pasta dishes, but their extensive pizza list caters to groups of hungry beachgoers. Order a variety of 14-inch pies with a couple of Caesar salads (topped with housemade dressing), and don’t forget to save room for one of Portofino’s towering ice cream sundaes.

DRINKS

When the sun goes down, the party is just getting started at The Pickled Onion. Although it serves elevated pub fare during the day, you’ll enjoy live music and beer-tasting flights after 10 p.m. Visitors can mix, mingle, and dance with locals at this City of Hamilton hotspot.

Partygoers are also encouraged to head over to Bermuda’s East End. Hit up happy hour at East End Mini-Yacht Club, where you can play darts with a waterfront view. Grab a seat by the pool at Griffin’s, where patrons can order discounted wine, beer, and cocktails till 6 p.m. Finally, Tobacco Bay is the perfect beachfront venue for a sunset drink; stay for a crackling bonfire.

NATURAL WONDERS

Some of the most breathtaking vistas in Bermuda are hidden far below the surface. Head underground to the Crystal Caves for an incredible example of Mother Nature’s finest work. Formed during the Ice Age but discovered in 1907 by two teenage boys who bravely followed a cricket ball down a mysterious hole in their yard, the cave is decorated with endless stalactites dripping down toward a crystal blue lake. Cross the floating bridge for views of the stalagmites rising under the water, and of course, to snap an impeccable photo op. “The water in the cave is blue like the sky and the rock formations resemble the ground of a forest,” Wendy explains. “Turn the photos you take upside down–it looks like you’re walking in an enchanted forest. It’s stunning and awe-inspiring.” Grab a ticket to the nearby Fantasy Cave for another magnificent experience. Though similar to the others in structure, its unique intricacies make it a masterpiece on its own.

ISLAND ICONS

Bermuda is a treasure trove for art fans, with both local works and renowned classics everywhere you look. Book a morning art tour at the Hamilton Princess & Beach Club, where you’ll find yourself steps away from masterpieces by a diverse array of artists. Throughout the hotel’s restaurants and bars, you’ll dine and drink alongside work from these visionaries.

Jump right into The Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute, which spotlights the world under Bermuda’s crystal blue waters. “Explore” below the water’s surface with fully immersive screens and simulated experiences, and check out the artifacts left behind by the 300-plus shipwrecks on Bermuda’s reefs. For fans of mystery, the Bermuda Triangle: Unlock the Secrets exhibit is a must-see interactive introduction to the infamous mysteries that surround the island.

The Masterworks Museum of Bermuda Art offers visitors an expansive look into drawings, paintings, photography, and sculptures inspired by the island, ranging from the late 1700s to today. Don’t miss the Georgia O’Keeffe collection and “Royal Palms” by Andrew Wyeth, which showcases historic St. George’s and is a beautiful example of how so many artists find inspiration on the island. The emerging-artists exhibit on the second floor is also a must-see, according to Wendy. “It really highlighted the colorful and vibrant young art community in Bermuda.”

Located in one of the oldest buildings on the island in vibrant St. George’s, the Bridge House Gallery is an intimate look into local art. Operated by local artist and designer Peter Matcham (and his friendly cat), this gorgeously curated gallery encourages you to stroll through rooms full of paintings, jewelry, photographs, antiques, and more.

While roaming the colourful streets of the Town of St. George, be sure to pause and capture the essence of Bermuda with a stop at the Lili Bermuda Perfumery, tucked away on a quiet street. Tour the historic Stewart Hall, where each perfume is meticulously bottled and packaged by hand under the direction of perfumer Isabelle Ramsay-Brackstone. Gather your girlfriends to create your own signature scents after a lesson on essential oils and specialty aroma molecules. These bespoke souvenirs will be the perfect reminder of life on island time once you head back to the hustle and bustle of your everyday. End your afternoon with high tea in the stunning gardens–sampling fine teas, finger sandwiches, and petits fours.

History buffs will love the National Museum of Bermuda, which serves as a tribute to more than 500 years of Bermudian history. Inside, you’ll find centuries-old jewelry and other treasures salvaged from shipwrecks. Head across the lawn to the Commissioner’s House, perfectly perched high above the harbor, to find a jaw-dropping mural by local artist Graham Foster. The mural fills an entire stairwell and poignantly details more than 500 years of Bermuda’s rich history. And as a bonus, the wraparound balcony offers sweeping views across the island.